Football clubs in the Hunter are encouraged to apply for the second round of Asian Cup Legacy funding which is now open.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC said that football clubs in the Hunter should consider improvements to facilities that benefit the whole of community.

“Football is an important thread in uniting our community together and the funding provides an excellent opportunity for local clubs to draw in new members” Mr MacDonald said.

“I encourage all local clubs in the Hunter to apply for funding for a wide range of projects, including upgrades or developments to existing pitches, amenities and facilities, including seating, canteens, lighting, fencing, change rooms, storage spaces, drainage and pitches.”

“Recently Cooks Hill United Football Club received funding to relevel and resurface their playing fields at National Park Sportsground in Cooks Hill”.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the $4.1 million fund will help deliver better community facilities to grassroots football clubs across NSW.

“I encourage local football clubs to apply for up to 50 per cent of the cost of building amenities or upgrading facilities, with a funding contribution of $50,000 - $150,000 per project,” Mr Ayres said.

The $4.1 NSW Asian Cup Legacy Fund is a joint initiative of the NSW Government, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football. Sixteen clubs successfully applied for $1.8 million in grants during the first round of 2016/17 applications.

More than 1,000 affiliated football clubs are now eligible for more than $2.3 million in funding for round two 2017/18 applications.